A Successful New Program Delivery
A message from the City of Burien 
Like many parks departments across the state and country, Burien Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (PaRCS) had to dramatically shift its program delivery model in order to help maintain mental and physical health during this stressful time. Staff worked hard to set up and offer virtual classes and, once restrictions were lifted, limited on-site programs with lots of safety precautions, like mask and contact tracing mandates, health, and temperature checks, and routine room and equipment cleaning, in place.
After lots of phone outreach to its older adults during the first few months of quarantine and receiving feedback that they did not want to tune in virtually, Burien PaRCS brainstormed on how to safely continue offering needed programs and services to its senior community, who are hard to reach right now. One method of program delivery that proved to be a big success was using the city’s public tv station to broadcast recorded content. Burien partnered with senior education providers, like Comfort Keepers and PacMed Living Well Alliance, to provide recorded presentations on nutrition, wellness, and active aging.
Burien PaRCS also produced in-house videos on basic technology (zoom and email tutorials) and senior fitness classes, which receive lots of raves and good feedback from seniors on a weekly basis. Through a grant that covers instructor costs, Burien PaRCS is able to produce different exercise and falls prevention classes monthly to keep material fresh. Seniors love the “routines and set schedule” of each class and seeing familiar faces that they know – their instructors that ran in-person fitness during pre-COVID times.
The amount of content being added has resulted in having to go to a 2-day schedule, which is great news for the community. Burien residents are able to tune in on TV at a regular schedule or “on-demand” online at https://burien.vod.castus.tv/vod/?nav=programs. Burien PaRCS is working on traditional methods of promoting its TV programs, like updating its website and creating an information flyer, but in the meantime, folks can tune in to the city’s TV channel or call and email Burien PaRCS at 206-988-3700 and [email protected] for more information.
Call for Local Success Stories
WRPA wants to share your 2020 successes!
If you have a particular story you would like to share and celebrate please send it to [email protected] to be considered for publication on the WRPA blog and in the WRPAToday Bi-Monthly Newsletter. We know 2020 was a tough year and that many parks and recreation departments have been stretched thin, but we are so proud of how hard those in our profession are working to make this pandemic a little easier for our communities.